INTERVIEW: ADELE DUBOIS

Long and Short Reviews welcomes Adele Dubois, author of the new release Tempted. Adele lives in rural eastern Pennsylvania between serene Amish country and city excitement.

“It’s the best of both worlds,” she told me. “We have a thriving town steeped in history and culture, gorgeous lakes and parks for fishing and picnics, and little crime. I love Pennsylvania and have lived here most of my life.”

She remembers lying on the floor as a child and writing for hours in her composition book with a pencil and knew she wanted to be a writer by the time she was ten. Her first published short story appeared in a newspaper Sunday magazine when she was nineteen.

Adele is her real name and she told me she wouldn’t want to use any other in her career.

“Authors develop strong identification to their pen names early in the publication process. I’ve often wondered how long it takes authors who’ve chosen pen names that sound silly when said aloud or are difficult to spell regret their choices,” she said. “I hope to launch a new, but similar, pen name for the more mainstream romance novels I’ve written. Fingers crossed that I’ll have news soon!”

“Do you ever suffer from writer’s block?” I wondered. “If so, what do you do about it.”

“The only way to break through a story block is to write your way through the problem. If I’m struggling with a plot twist, a loose end that needs tying, or a critical turning point, I usually take a break from the story and go for a long walk. I let my mind wander and allow my subconscious to problem solve. This method has never failed me. I start writing again and the story flows.”

She also likes to get out in her convertible and drive with the top down on a sunny day, any time of the year.

“Whenever I need an emotional lift, I get in my car and drive. On rare occasions, a warm day will arrive in the middle of winter. When that happens, I put on a jacket, put the top down on the convertible, and soak up the winter sun. Those are absolutely the best days, because they’re so unusual.”

Adele writes, works on writing-related tasks, and her career every day, seven days a week. Her daily word count on her WIP varies depending on how well the story is flowing. She also does all her own promotion, which takes huge chunks of time. She is also the president of her local RWA chapter and that keeps her busy as well.

She also likes it to be quiet when she writes. She can’t write in coffee shops or with music playing because there’s too many distractions, so she works best in her home office. When she finishes writing for the day, she likes to watch television while she schedules blog posts, checks email, and catches up on other assorted publishing duties. She especially likes Revenge, Survivor, Glee, Happily Ever After, Grimm, The Good Wife, Covert Affairs, and Burn Notice. She also reads every night before going to sleep.

“Are you a plotter or a pantser?” I asked.

“My process is a hybrid of both. Before I start writing a story, I summarize the plot. I create character studies for the hero, heroine, and secondary characters. Afterward, I begin my research to make sure story details are accurate. Then I print everything out and place it in a folder. When the writing begins, I refer to the saved materials, as needed. Once I have the framework established, I start the creative writing process. All the story twists and turns are written organically. Many of them are as much a surprise to me as they are to my readers. I’ve discovered that the more preparation I do before the creative writing begins, the easier and faster the writing flows when I write the book.”

All of Adele’s books have been published in e-book format and some are also available in trade paperback. She owns a Kindle herself and loves the convenience of buying book and reading them on the Kindle.

“I do hope the day never comes when print books cease to exist,” she told me. ” There’s nothing that compares to the pleasure of reading a paperback in a lounge chair at the beach. And paperbacks don’t go dark in the middle of a story when the battery needs recharging. I want both e-books and print books.”

Finally, I asked, “What advice would you give a new writer just starting out?”

“Learn as much as you can about the craft of writing and keep polishing your stories,” she said. “Write every day. Be patient. Wait to submit to editors and agents until your book is complete, and you’ve worked with knowledgeable critique partners. Submit to a few contests to test the waters. Polish again.

Writers often fail because they submit manuscripts before they’re ready. Getting a book published is not the end goal; it’s the beginning. You’ll be expected to produce again and again— and please editors, readers, and reviewers every time. Be sure you have the necessary skill sets before you jump into the pool. When you do, I wish you great success.”

About the Author:Adele Dubois is happiest when driving her convertible with the top down. She is a multi-published, award-winning author of erotic romance novels, novellas and short stories. Before turning to fiction writing, Adele wrote for newspapers and magazines in the USA, Caribbean and UK.

Adele is a PAN member of Romance Writers of America and president of her local RWA chapter. When not at the beach or by the bay, Adele and her husband and family enjoy their eastern Pennsylvania home where she is working on her next novel.

Emily never dreamed that interactive television would lead to so much trouble…

Is sexual fantasy cheating? If so, Emily’s got a problem. Though she’s never been unfaithful to her husband in reality, she’s found a new hobby with 3D Mental Image Projection. In the privacy of her home, she indulges her secret desires on interactive TV. What else is a lonely woman of a certain age to do?

When Emily wins a weekend getaway to mystical Isle de Paradises, she swears she won’t stray. But temptation lures her at every turn. Desirable men want her and beautiful women pursue her. When Paradises’ youth-restoring powers crumble her resistance, Emily is faced with an irrevocable choice. Her decision will forever alter her life and the fate of her marriage.

Adele – I love the book cover! I agree about writing in silence. I’m a musician, classical pianist and adore music, but I can’t have it playing when I’m writing. Just as you said, it’s too distracting. I start humming harmonies or just stop to listen which puts a dent in my writing time.

Good advice to new writers. If you’re going to be one, you have to write AND be an avid reader.

The Atomic City Girls

Heaven’s Watcher

My Favorite Mistake

Taking Desire

Needing Desire

Running Hot

Frost Moon

Blue Light Special

Review Star Rating Definitions

1 Star – We currently do not review any story with a 1 star rating. If it’s DNF or a “wall-banger” we decline to review.

2 Stars — Not wonderful, but tolerable. There may be some minor editing glitches but not enough to stop you reading. Not a wall-banger, but nothing you’d re-read. This is a book you would borrow from the library – not buy- and never check out again. You might recommend it to a friend with a mention of the glitches, knowing that something in the plot or story would still appeal to them regardless.

3 Stars — Good. Mostly enjoyable. You made it through and didn’t consider it a waste of time or money. The story was strong enough or the conflict tight enough, so even when the book faltered, it was able to draw you back in and keep you. There’s a chance you’ll recommend it to a friend, but it wouldn’t go on your keeper shelf.

4 Stars — Very Good. You’re glad you were the one who got to review the book. You would probably buy it and would definitely recommend it to your friends. You liked the characters and the plot. The writing style was good and the editing clean.

5 Stars — Great! You would definitely buy this book. You would definitely recommend it to your friends. You really loved the characters and the plot and would consider looking for this authors back list or making her an autobuy. The writing and editing were superb.

LASR Best Book – For a book or story that is truly exceptional. You think about it when you’re not reading it. You wonder what happens to the characters when you finish. You would absolutely buy everything else this author had to offer. The highest praise – and reserved for only a few.

Review Heat Level Descriptions

SWEET: no visual love scenes and no descriptive kissing;

SENSUAL: Contains a high degree of sexual tension, steamy kisses and passionate clinches, but all fully consummated love scenes will be implied, not described, and with the bedroom door firmly closed.

SPICY: Contains actual love scenes and may include detailed descriptions of foreplay and consummation.

HOT: Contains sizzling and very detailed love scenes throughout and graphic, explicit content which may be offensive to some.

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FTC Disclaimer:

Most books reviewed on this site have been provided free of charge by the publisher, author or publicist. On occasion, we review books we have purchased with our own money or borrowed from a public library. Any links to places to purchase books are provided as a convenience, and do not serve as an endorsement by this blog. All reviews are the true and honest opinion of the blogger reviewing the book. The method of acquiring the book does not have a bearing on the content of the review.